May Birchbox Review & First Impressions

I was very lucky to be given a 3-month Birchbox subscription for my 21st birthday in March, and now my final box has arrived! Each month, there is a different theme, and May’s box was all about summer prep – ‘palm leaves and warm breeze’. With 6 goodies inside, this has to be my favourite design so far. Very Instagram-worthy.

I have to say, I have been so impressed with the Birchbox quality and variety of brands, and this box has been the best so far…

Skincare: Caudalie Make-up Removing Cleansing Oil

I was over the moon to spot this product inside the beauty box. You’ll know if you’ve read my guide to double cleansing that a good cleanser makes me very happy indeed.

At £18 for a full-size bottle, this silky oil boasts a natural blend of sunflower, sweet almond and grape oils to effectively break down and remove makeup. This is the perfect first step in cleansing. You apply onto dry skin, massaging it in to start breaking up the makeup on your face. Add a splash of water to turn it into a more milk-type product that melts away any final traces of product. Rinse away using a face cloth to reveal soft, cleansed skin.

It really is as easy as that! I’ve used this every day since my box arrived and so far, I am impressed. It smells subtly of almond; a really pleasant scent but not so strong that it feels fragranced. I follow with my Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and that’s my skin done and dusted, ready for moisturiser. I think this has to be the stand-out product for me this month, I’m so happy to have tried it before purchasing the full version.

Will I buy it again/buy the full-size?

Yes definitely. It fills a gap in my skincare collection for a good cleansing oil!

Makeup: Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

This month’s box really did raise the bar. First comes the Eyeko Skinny Liquid liner. This is one of my favourite all-time liners, so it certainly made me smile to spot a new pen in my box – now I don’t have to go out and buy a new one! I am currently finishing off another tube of this liner, which speaks volumes for just how much I love it.

At £16, this liner is SO easy to use. You literally draw your liner on as you would with a pen. The hard nib means much more precision and it lasts all day. Eyeko certainly know what they are doing when it comes to eyes.

Would I buy the full size/buy it again?

Yep – I already have used another tube up!

Makeup: Doucce Lucious Lip Stain

The next makeup item was this beautiful pink-red lip stainfrom Doucee – a brand I hadn’t ever heard of before. This mini is in the colour ‘Steaming red’ – a beautiful rich, pink-mixed-with-red shade that is such a sophisticated, chic colour.

I have only tried this on my lips once to test the colour and formula, so I can’t comment on the longevity yet. It was easy to apply; the formula is incredibly light but highly pigmented. It didn’t sink into the creases of my lips but it did feel slightly dry when I rubbed my lips together. Still, the weightless feel of the product made up for that. A bit of lip balm underneath and I think it would be good to go.

Would I buy the full size/buy it again?

Probably not in this shade – it is so beautiful but I just don’t think I’d get the wear out of it, especially as it costs £21 for the full size. I would consider buying a nude-pink shade. I’ll have to look at some swatches of shades online!

Bodycare: Native Unearthed Activated Charcoal Natural Deoderant Balm

Amongst the other beauty products, was this little gem. I love trying new concepts out, so this activated charcoal deoderant from Native Unearthed caught my eye.

It costs £8 usually, and the idea behind it is that there are no parabens or harsh chemicals in this deoderant. We hear a lot about the damage that deoderants can do to our bodies, but I’ve always wondered whether natural alternatives would be effective, especially with exercising and the summer on the way.

The light grey cream is designed for you to scoop out a small amount, and apply to your underarms. It contains arrowroot, shea butter and coconut oil to form an invisible sheild. Again, I’ve used this each day since the box arrived and I’m surprised at how much I like it! It works and is natural – I don’t have any complaints.

Would I buy it again/buy the full size?

I think I’ll see how long this pot lasts. £8 is a lot for a deoderant, but if it does work out to be cost effective, I would consider purchasing it for sure.

Bodycare: Greenfrog Botanic Geranium & Peppermint Bodywash

Another product I was very happy to spot. I love trying new shower gels and these minis are so handy to take on holiday too.

This brand has instantly caught my attention. Greenfrog Botanics have made this vegan, cruelty-free, chemical-free shower gel that smells INCredible. So fresh and natural – I’m not a fan of overly sweet, fruity body washes. I like most of my fragrance to come from the perfume I choose that day anyway! I’m trying to purchase more cruelty free beauty products where possible, and I’d like to gradually make the switch if I can.

The full size is £8.95 which is quite a lot for a body wash, but worth it if it ticks all the right boxes. As someone who has dry, eczema-prone skin, the fact that this is great for psorasis, eczema and senstive skin is even more of a bonus. It left my skin feeling squeaky clean but moistursed to.

Would I buy it again/buy the full size?

Yes, especially if I spotted it in Superdrug/Boots/supermarket.

I think you’ll get the message that I truly loved this month’s Birchbox. Would you consider trying any of the products I mentioned?